In early January, we began vaccinating United Hebrew residents and staff against COVID-19, bringing new hope to our skilled nursing community. Now there’s even more reason for optimism:
New federal data show the number of new COVID-19 cases in nursing homes has dropped dramatically since December, when vaccinations of the elderly first began.
According to a report released by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, the weekly rate of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes has plummeted by 82 percent over the last seven weeks. What’s more, the steep decline in nursing home cases far outpaces the general population, where cases dropped by 46 percent over the same time span.
Today, new cases in American nursing homes are at their lowest point since May, when the federal government began tracking such data, the New York Times reports. Nursing homes are now among the safest places to be.
“We are excited and encouraged by these numbers,” says Rita Mabli, our president/CEO. “They show that our preventative measures and vaccination efforts are working to keep our most vulnerable residents safe.“
The data bring optimism that there are brighter days ahead for our skilled nursing community and our entire United Hebrew
campus. As of this writing, over 90 percent of our residents have been vaccinated, and we continue to follow strict infection control protocols.
As a result, we are able to open our doors for in-person visitation for residents and their families, on a limited basis. (Call our hotline at (914) 355-3800 for daily updates).
After so many months of virtual and window visits, we’re thrilled to see families reuniting with their loved ones. We’ve also started socializing in small groups, engaging our residents in meaningful activities.
We see a light at the end of the tunnel!
We thank our entire community — friends, families, staff, and our board of directors — for their fierce dedication, optimism, and heartfelt compassionate support. We look forward to the day when we can fully re-open our doors to you all.